After clinching a College Football Playoff spot, Tulane quickly elevated veteran assistant Will Hall to head coach, ensuring continuity that fueled the program’s recent surge. The university announced the promotion on Monday, describing Hall as the ideal candidate to maintain momentum as the Green Wave enters one of the most pivotal stretches in school history.
Athletic director David Harris said Hall’s history with the school and his understanding of Tulane’s roster and culture made him the natural successor to departing coach Jon Sumrall. “We are thrilled to select Will Hall to be our head coach,” Harris said. “His character, integrity, and leadership qualities are evident both on and off the field. With extensive head-coaching experience and a proven track record of success at every level, Will embodies the qualities we value in our program.” Harris added that the university believes Hall is “the right person to lead Tulane Football into its next chapter.”
Tulane’s decision reflects the program’s desire for stability following a period of unprecedented success. The Green Wave has won 43 games over the past four seasons and earned four straight appearances in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Their 34–21 victory over North Texas this month secured another league title and set the stage for their first playoff berth, where Tulane enters as the No. 11 seed facing No. 6 Ole Miss on Dec. 20. Sumrall is expected to coach through the postseason before departing for the University of Florida, where he agreed to become the Gators’ next head coach.
Hall’s promotion marks his third tenure in New Orleans, reinforcing the bond he built with the program dating back to his time as offensive coordinator from 2019–20. During that stretch, he recruited and coached quarterback Michael Pratt, who became the school’s all-time leading passer and one of Tulane’s most accomplished players. Pratt later described Hall as someone who “saw my potential before anyone else did,” crediting him with shaping the foundation of his development.
Hall left Tulane. He reflected on his experience: “Every experience teaches you something. You grow, you adjust, and you keep moving forward.” His role at Tulane last offseason as passing-game coordinator proved immediately impactful. Working alongside offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, Hall helped integrate transfer quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who arrived from BYU in the summer and quickly adapted to the system. Retzlaff’s production — steady, efficient, and dynamic — played a significant role in Tulane’s 11–2 finish, reinforcing the value of Hall’s presence on staff.
The promotion also underscores Tulane’s desire to reward leadership that aligns with the program’s identity. Hall has long been described by colleagues as a coach who emphasizes relationships, consistency, and long-term growth — traits the administration believes will be essential as the Green Wave attempt to solidify themselves on a national stage newly open to Group of Five programs. ESPN reported that Tulane had considered external candidates, but Hall’s deep institutional knowledge made him the most seamless fit.
With Tulane, as Hall stated, “This program means a great deal to me. I’m honored to lead it and committed to building on what has been accomplished.”
